Intermountain SD40-2 !!11!

[GaryHinshaw]

  The last time I checked the RailWire store is running out pitchforks,,, flaming spears,,, and hot boiling oil.

On back order; we had to change factories.  Due in 3Q14.

Can someone give us a more detailed review (with photos) of the SD40-2W's from IM?  I was under the impression that it was a decent model (as some here have noted).  To me, that is cause for some optimism.

[ryan_wilkerson]

It's been mentioned before that the SD40-2 could be done in many paint schemes but that's dependent on the version(s) they produce. Judging by the road names announced, can any of the rivet experts chime in on what version IM is starting with?

[wcfn100]

Judging by the road names announced, can any of the rivet experts chime in on what version IM is starting with?

I'm not a -2 aficionado, but if RRPA is correct about the ICE unit in the ad being former UP 3623, then it's supposed to have been built in 1979 with an 88" nose, wheel style brake (which you can see), and corrugated radiator screens (whatever that looks like).

This info courtesy of UtahRails.


Jason

[lock4244]

I'm not a -2 aficionado, but if RRPA is correct about the ICE unit in the ad being former UP 3623, then it's supposed to have been built in 1979 with an 88" nose, wheel style brake (which you can see), and corrugated radiator screens (whatever that looks like).

This info courtesy of UtahRails.


Jason

ICE 6418:
http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=132545

[wcfn100]

ICE 6418:
http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=132545

Sure hope that's what it ends up looking like instead of what's on the artwork. 

Jason

[Ike the BN Freak]

My biggest issue with the Kato SD40-2 is the lack of runs of them.

I model BN, and being BN had 835 SD40-2s, and Kato has only done 6 total units in 2 "body styles"

[nkalanaga]

For me, I would hope it's the early version, as I need the BN's 1972/73 built units.

[6axlepwr]

ICE 6418:
http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=132545

This locomotive can be built from a Kato SD40-2. Probably cheaper than what you will pay for a new one from IM.

The Kato mid production has the 88" nose. The early production model has the 81" nose. You can get just the mid production shell from Kato USA and with a minimal work transplant it onto the early production model. It is what I have done for my MKT 40-2's That still need to be detailed. But the shell swap is done.

[Denver Road Doug]

The Kato mid production has the 88" nose. The early production model has the 81" nose. You can get just the mid production shell from Kato USA and with a minimal work transplant it onto the early production model. It is what I have done for my MKT 40-2's That still need to be detailed. But the shell swap is done.

Brian, you should document your Katy Dash 2 build on the Railwire W/D/S forum...there may not be a TON of n-scale M-K-T modelers but I know there are some...Atlas keeps releasing Geeps so that tells you something about the numbers.

[6axlepwr]

It will be documented somewhere. Either a magazine article, my web site or here.

[Ian MacMillan]

So, no one has answered this.... IS this the infamous -2 Project or is there still something behind the curtain???

Brian.
It is not. The -2 project is being done by another manufacturer.


For me I am really up in the air on these. I saw the -45 botch job that IM did, but I was impressed with their fixing issues on the -40W's. However there are still some QC issues with the -40W's to the point that while holding them, I have yet to pull the trigger on the 2 that I need. I have been a fan of their F units, and just with their SD's  I have been in impressed.

[drgw0579]

How old are these other IM models anyway?  Weren't they out 10 years ago?  A lot has changed in that time and all vendors have raised the bar (or tried) substantially.

Bill Kepner

[garethashenden]

How old are these other IM models anyway?  Weren't they out 10 years ago?  A lot has changed in that time and all vendors have raised the bar (or tried) substantially.

Bill Kepner

Spookshow lists them as 2003.

[lock4244]

I think that the state of other Mfg's locomotives in 2003 make the age of the tunnel motors irrelevant. They were bad.

[lock4244]

Brian.
It is not. The -2 project is being done by another manufacturer.

For me I am really up in the air on these. I saw the -45 botch job that IM did, but I was impressed with their fixing issues on the -40W's. However there are still some QC issues with the -40W's to the point that while holding them, I have yet to pull the trigger on the 2 that I need. I have been a fan of their F units, and just with their SD's  I have been in impressed.

AFAIC, the -2 Project isn't being done by anyone until it's at the very least announced. Until then, it just an annoying TRW legend.

There are a few finishing issues on the SD40-2W's that detract from an otherwise decent locomotive. The rear coupler on two of my units did not sit level out of the box, but it isn't something that can't be repaired with minimal effort. They are not up to Kato standards in terms of quality... but not much is. The handrails come off too easily with minimal handling, which can be rectified with a little glue or by picking them up be the D/B. If this is the trade off I have to deal with to get a road specific locomotive, then I'm happy to do so (though I feel for those requiring TM's).

I'm not as well versed in the non-road specific details that Brian (and Robbman) notice as being incorrect on the IM units, so I just don't get worked up about them. I understand that this is important to some folks, but for those of us lacking the time or talent (or both) to pull off some of the remarkable modeling seen here on TRW, it's better than nothing.